Thamesians 1XV

5

63

Hillingdon Abbots

Match Report

We knew this would be a tough game but we were most definitely up for the challenge. Our Thamesian boys were well prepared for the game even if we were in the unfamiliar surroundings of Twickenham RFC. (Cheers for the pitch btw). We set the tone in the changing room with some strong words and the boys were ready to do their best.

We started well and put Hillingdon under pressure and were winning the contest at the breakdown. Unfortunately a couple of silly errors let Hillingdon in for a couple of soft tries. We responded immediately with a well-deserved try from a driving maul. Coogan diving over to take the outright lead in leading try scorer for the season. Twenty five minutes into the first half and it was all to play for and we really felt that we were in the game. Hillingdon then proved why they are top of the league by taking advantage of more mistakes and punished us with seven points every time. A sign of a well drilled, organised team that know when to take their chances. (It’s no co incidence that they train twice a week.Just sayin’).

Half time arrived and we were behind by 25 points. Not out of reach but a mountain to climb.

Thamesians started the second half on the front foot and should have really put points on the board, but Hillingdon did their best ‘rope a dope Muhammed Ali’ impression and soaked up the pressure and then attacked us when we let our guard down and hit us where it hurt, on the scoreboard. Some impressive performances from the Slash, Lynchy, Franco and Kieran, amongst others.

Some positives to take from the game which include the intensity we started each half and our competiveness at the break down. It was very clear to us that we are not fit enough at the moment to keep that intensity for 80 minutes, which is something we will be working on.

Overall a tough day at the office, which was compounded by me limping off injured with a knee injury (cruciate ligament tear). I will be out for the next couple of weeks but will hand over to the more than capable Dan Jones. Talk to me Goose…

Man of The match – Lynchy

Dick of the Day – Nobby for attempting to soccer tackle someone

Side Note: James Gent (Head Coach) was nominated to write the match report this week but was too busy….As punishment James has to sing a song, in full, in the clubhouse, next Saturday, on the chair. Requests are welcomed.